TH on firmer footing thanks to reforms since 2018, says minister

Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan declared that the Tabung Haji (TH) recovery plan, initiated in 2018, has proven successful. The plan focused on nine key pillars such as restoring TH's financial position, enhancing governance and accountability, improving investment quality, and ensuring sustainable returns to depositors.

Hasan emphasized that these reforms significantly bolstered TH's sustainability, with the restructuring of its assets and liabilities bringing its financial position back on track. During a briefing at a special Dewan Rakyat session regarding the royal commission of inquiry report on TH and measures to restore its financial standing, he highlighted that the reforms have ensured Muslims can still afford the haj pilgrimage, with the cost maintained at RM33,300 for three consecutive seasons from 2024 to 2026.

He explained that TH achieved this by limiting air travel cost increases through long-term contracts and negotiating lower hotel rentals, despite soaring inflation and the need to fund new services and facilities in the Holy Land. Hasan also praised TH's improved service quality and haj management, noting the institution received the highest award, the Labaytum Diamond Award, for two consecutive years, marking its fifth consecutive recognition.